LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – The two New People's Army (NPA) rebels killed in an encounter in Barangay Bascaran, Daraga, Albay, near the Bicol International Airport (BIA), were facing multiple charges and linked to several heinous crimes, police said on Wednesday afternoon, October 4.
Police Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office-5, said that Rizaldy Perdigon is a high-ranking member of the NPA in Albay.
"Perdigon is the head of Rebolusyonaryong Buwis sa Kaaway na Uri (RBKU)-Albay, and is also an active member of Platoon 3, Sub-Regional Committee 3, Bicol Regional Party Committee (BRPC)," Calubaquib said.
Perdigon was charged with three counts of attempted murder, 13 counts of attempted homicide, four counts of murder, and destructive arson, Calubaquib added.
"Perdigon has been linked to heinous crimes, including targeted killings, ambushes of both police officers and civilians, and extortion activities targeting the public and local businesses," Calubaquib said.
The other fatality, Allan Balde Leron, 30, of Platoon 3, SRC 3, BRPC, had a nonbailable case for violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
Leron was the driver of the motorcycle used in the attack at the Bascaran Police Assistance Center (BPAC) on Tuesday afternoon, October 3.
"These two deliberately fired shots to personnel on duty at BPAC, endangering the safety and welfare of the public. Fortunately, no government personnel or members of the public sustained injuries, as the police force responded swiftly and effectively countered their actions," Calubaquib said.
The cadaver of the two slain rebels were brought to Bejer Funeral Homes here.
PRO-5 director Police Brig. Gen. Westrimundo Obinque said that the successful neutralization of two NPA members is a significant blow to the rebel organization.
“We are fully committed to leveraging this momentum. We remain resolute in our determination to relentlessly pursue and capture other CTG members, while also encouraging them to surrender to the authorities and explore avenues for rehabilitation and reintegration into society," Obinque said.
Obinque added that justice has been served for the victims of these NPAs.